Moderate Security Vulnerability in Expat Package: DoS via XML_ResumeParser
Summary
ALSA-2024:9541: Moderate: expat security update. Affects expat versions < 2.5.0-3.el9_5.1. Fixed in 2.5.0-3.el9_5.1. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Expat is a widely used C library designed for parsing XML documents. It is known for its efficiency and ease of use, making it a popular choice among developers for handling XML data in various applications. However, like any software, Expat is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise its functionality and security. The recent vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50602 poses a risk of Denial of Service (DoS) through the XML_ResumeParser function, which can lead to application crashes or unresponsiveness.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability CVE-2024-50602 in the Expat library allows an attacker to exploit the XML_ResumeParser function, potentially leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. This issue arises from improper handling of certain XML inputs, which can cause the parser to enter an infinite loop or consume excessive resources. As a result, applications relying on Expat for XML parsing may become unresponsive or crash, impacting the availability of services that depend on them.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.5.0-3.el9_5.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update expatTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can implement input validation to sanitize XML data before parsing it with Expat. This can help mitigate the risk of triggering the vulnerability until an update can be applied. Additionally, limiting the size and complexity of XML documents processed by the application may reduce the likelihood of encountering the issue.
Conclusion
The Expat library has a moderate security vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50602, which can lead to Denial of Service conditions. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version to ensure the security and stability of their applications. Implementing input validation can serve as a temporary measure until the update is applied.
See every vulnerability recorded for expat →
FAQ
CVE-2024-50602 is a security vulnerability in the Expat library that can lead to Denial of Service (DoS) through the XML_ResumeParser function.
If your application uses the Expat library for XML parsing, it may become unresponsive or crash when processing specially crafted XML inputs.
Implement input validation and limit the size of XML documents processed to mitigate the risk until you can apply the update.
You can refer to the CVE page for CVE-2024-50602 for detailed information about the vulnerability and its impact.
Vulert provides real-time monitoring and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your manifest file, such as package-lock.json.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for expat.
